Cherry Olenka: variety description and characteristics, planting and pollinators

Early varieties of cherries are especially popular with gardeners, the first berries are harvested by mid-June and thanks to them they replenish vitamins in the body after a long winter. Cherry Olenka has several advantages, thanks to which domestic summer residents prefer it. In order for the trees to give rich harvests of fruits, it is necessary to provide them with minimal agrotechnical care and adhere to the rules when planting young seedlings.

Description and characteristics of Olenka cherries

Olenka sweet cherry belongs to the self-fertile early varieties of the crop.It was bred by crossing sweet cherries Valery Chkalov and Leningradskaya black and in 1995 was accepted for state testing. The variety is not yet widely distributed, mainly gardeners of the Belgorod and Voronezh regions grow it.

Olenka's characteristics:

1. A vigorous tree with a round crown, it is characterized by good foliage and medium density.
2. The ripening period of fruits is early, in the south of the Black Earth region the first berries begin to be harvested from the second decade of June.
3. The variety is self-fertile, so it is necessary to plant pollinating trees nearby or graft a seedling.
4. The mass of one heart-shaped sweet cherry ranges from 7 to 7.5 grams, the skin has a dark red hue, when fully ripe it becomes almost black.
5. The taste of moderately juicy, sweet, slightly sour pulp was rated by tasters at 4.7 points. However, in some years, due to the lack of sunlight, these characteristics are reduced.
6. The tree gives its first fruits 4-5 years after planting, the average yield per specimen is from 27 to 40 kg.
7. The variety is characterized by medium winter hardiness, therefore it is not suitable for cultivation in the northern regions.
8. Olenka has good resistance to coccomycosis and other common crop diseases.

Good and bad sides

Gardeners who preferred the Olenka variety and planted trees on their plots noted several advantages and disadvantages of this cherry variety.

They attributed Olenka's pluses:

• pleasant taste of ripe berries and their large size;
• resistance to transportation without loss of presentation;
• immunity to cultural diseases;
• the ability to use the harvested crop both fresh and for canning for the winter;
• early ripening period, when there are no other berries yet.

Of the minuses of cherries, gardeners noted:

• large sized trees that shade the lower crops on the site and require a lot of room to grow and develop;
• necessity to graft or plant nearby pollinators to produce a crop;
• medium cold hardiness and risk of damage to the cambium during sudden temperature changes in winter;
• need for regular pruning and crown formation.

Where and how to plant?

To plant a seedling of Olenka, it is necessary to choose a place well-lit by the sun on a slight elevation; the southern and south-western slopes, protected from strong winds, are ideal for growing sweet cherries.Since the root system of the trees is well developed, a plot with a close occurrence of groundwater is not suitable for growing - at least 2 meters. Also, do not place seedlings in the lowlands, as in the spring water accumulates there after the snow melts, which leads to rotting of the roots.

Good yields are given by trees planted on loam rich in nutrients, or on sandy loam soils. In order for Olenka to form ovaries, it is necessary to place pollinators nearby (cherries of 2-3 varieties that bloom at about the same time).

Instructions for planting Olenka's seedling:

1. Prepare a hole 90 cm in diameter and about 70 cm deep (do this 2 weeks before planting).
2. Immediately establish a support for a young tree so that the wind does not damage it.
3. The selected soil, if necessary, is mixed with compost and mineral fertilizer and half is poured back into the hole, making a small mound.
4. They install a seedling on it, spreading the roots in different directions, and fall asleep with the remaining earth, lightly tamp.
5. To keep the roots from overheating, lay a layer of organic mulch around the tree and water it abundantly.

Rules for plant care

Basic care for sweet cherries is necessary in the early years, until the tree has come into bearing. It includes standard procedures - irrigation, fertilization 2-3 times per season, pruning and crown formation, preventive treatments against diseases and pests.

Protection from diseases and pests

In order to prevent diseases and damage by insect pests, they are treated with fungicidal and insecticidal preparations, adhering to the consumption rates specified in the instructions.

Harvest and storage of crops

The first cherries are harvested in mid-June, but the timing may vary depending on the growing region.

Keep the harvest in the refrigerator for 5-6 days or make compotes and jams from berries, and also freeze fresh.

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